They say that proper, old-fashioned pantomime is dead and buried under an avalanche of Big Brother also-rans. Well, not at Hackney Empire it isn't. A cast that would grace any show in the West End, having a ball on stage and the audience of mainly school parties on this Wednesday matinee lapping up every second!

As for that cast. Dick played with thigh-slapping relish by Hannah-Jane Fox, on his many adventures against his nemesis, the evil King Rat, with David Ashley milking every last boo and hiss from the youngsters (and the odd grown up). Of course, along the way Dick meets the love of his life, the beautiful Alice Fitzwarren, played, of course, by Sophia, dressed in a Disney fairytale dress. And of course, the agile, Mistofelees like feline of the title, meowed wonderfully by Mike Denman. Not forgetting Kat as Idle Jack who had the audience eating out his hand and Tameka Empson as Fairy Bowbells trying to earn her wings.

But despite all that, the dream couple, the Posh and Becks of the piece has to be Alderman Fitzwarren (Tony Whittle) and Sarah the Cook, played with more costume changes than a Kylie concert and with a voice and attitude to out-diva them all by Clive Rowe.

Music wise, theres pop songs aplenty and much to my shame, I was having such a good time that I can't remember more than one or two of them. Sophia gets her solo spot on the deck of Alderman Fitzwarren's ship, but again, for the life of me, I can't remember the song!

The show itself, well I don't want to give too much away but, as I said, a proper panto. Slapstick, romance, boos, hisses, bad jokes and a big gorilla. What more could you want? Yes! A sing-song complete with a huge songsheet! And was the webmaster of Sophia-Ragavelas.com moved to join in with the Cool Cat Song.....Oh yes he was!!!